The BiodivConnect call is focused on fostering innovative research to be integrated into nature restoration practices for interconnected and well-functioning ecosystems and habitats, with special consideration for long-term sustainability and future-proofing of restoration efforts, at scales from local to regional to cross-border and global, including their evaluation. The call covers restoration efforts for biodiversity in all types of ecosystems and habitats, in all regions of the world, supporting high-quality research and innovation projects on biodiversity and ecosystem restoration with holistic, systemic and integrated approaches.
Projects that will be proposed under this call can focus on a wide range of aspects, e.g. different categories of indicators; multiple scales for restoration upscaling; ecological, socio-economic and socio-cultural dimensions; and/or varying levels of environmental regulations and policies needing alignment. Projects should support progress towards international biodiversity commitments, also beyond 2030, under the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework, and relevant biodiversity policy objectives at different levels in Europe and globally.
The Call is arranged into three main topics that partly overlap. Project proposals can address one or more of these main topics:
- Topic 1: Setting restoration targets and measuring success
- Topic 2: Transferability and scaling of nature restoration efforts
- Topic 3: Resilience and sustainability of restoration efforts
Research proposals are expected to demonstrate significant transnational added value and to be interdisciplinary, involving multiple academic disciplines. Proposals are also strongly encouraged to be transdisciplinary to include non-academic stakeholders working together with researchers to co-produce new knowledge relevant for society.
To be eligible, transnational research consortia must be composed of eligible research partners from minimum 3 different countries financially participating in the call and requesting support from minimum 3 different Funding Organisations; including at least two different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. At least 38 funding organisations from 30 countries are joining this call and have reserved, together with the European Commission, a total amount of ca. 40 million Euro.
A two-step application procedure will be used with a closing date for pre-proposal submission on 7 November 2025. A first evaluation of pre-proposals will be organised and the deadline to submit full proposals is 14 April 2026.
